Step up, Chennai ishtyle!

The Hindu NXg Campus Jive 2011 reaffirmed its status as the best dance competition in town. Here’s why… MADHUMITHA SRINIVASAN

(In pic: The winners — Anna University)

For last year’s champions of GRT Stylus The Hindu NXg Jive, this time round it was personal, at least that’s what their t-shirts said. Jeppiar Engineering College were back this year along with 11 other teams for the 2011 edition of the inter-collegiate western dance competition, also known in the college circles as “the competition with a whopping sum to be won!” Yes, “whopping” would be quite appropriate for Rs. 1.5 lakh. No wonder, teams take it personally.The judges were Kokila Hariram, founder of the Academy of Modern Danse, popular film choreographer Kalyan and actor-dancer Arvind Akash.

Different

Some things were the same as the previous years — high quality of competition, rules, a house-full audience and Loyola College with their thunderous cheerleading entourage. But not to be outdone this year, the girls of Stella Maris College had an almost equally thunderous cheering squad. But what was a deviation from the previous years was the conspicuous absence (and thankfully so!) of the basketball jerseys, basketballs, baggys and the likes that are usually associated with hip hop. This time it was different. There were trousers, shirts and ties, designer gold and silver costumes, layered t-shirts, co-ordinated colourful shoes, geeky glasses and even cat costumes. The energy was on an all-time high and higher were the jumps; more tricks and stunts too.

(In pic: Judges Kalyan, Arvind Akash, Kokila Hariram)

Unfortunately though as the evening progressed, barring a few colleges, most of the performances had common elements that the judges felt were repetitive — “Step Up 3” and Jabbawockeez inspired moves, plus boys dancing like girls (a big NO-NO, said Kokila). If one had to break down the performances into styles, they would have to be hip hop, b-boying, krumping and jazz. After 12 powerhouse performances, it was time for the results. After a round of serious debate and discussion, the judges gave their decision.

Winners

Last year champs Jeppiar Engineering College placed third, while crowd-favourites Loyola College’s Dream Team came second. They each won Rs, 50,000 and Rs. 1 lakh prize money respectively. The winners of The Hindu NXg Jive 2011 were Anna University, who grabbed the cheque for Rs.1.5 lakhs! The winners also received other gifts besides the prize money. A lot of surprised reactions were all around.

“I know people did not expect them to win, but they were a team who gave priority to the actual dance rather than the stunts and tricks,” said Arvind. Agreed Kalyan, who explained, “They had good coordination and danced well, minus the gimmicks.” “It might not be a popular judgment but the fact remains that the teams need to get creative. Inspired by dance videos online is fine but to do the same thing is not done,” felt Kokila. “Also, years back teams focused on themes and stories, but now it is not so,” added Arvind.

(In pic: Models take to the stage sporting GRT Stylus collection and Derby men’s wear)

Yet this does not take anything away from the performances by the college teams because, overall, the standard of competition was excellent and the hard work that the teams had put in was evident, was what the judges unanimously felt. We can only hope that the colleges take note of this and try and break from the usual and present a spectacular performance next year.

During the evening, the unusual “catty” performance by the girls from Stella Maris, dressed as cats, didn’t go unnoticed as they were awarded the Unique Performance award. Charulatha from Ethiraj College won the Best Female Dancer award, while Jobin from MCC won the Best Male Dancer award.

Sponsors

Title sponsor: GRT Stylus

Associate sponsor: Pudhiya Thalamurai.

Fashion Partner: Derby; Multiplex Partner: AGS Cinemas; Television Partner: SS Music; News Partner: NDTV Hindu; Radio Partner: 92.7 Big FM; Dance Partner: The Academy of Modern Danse; Event Partner: I ads & Events

Prize Sponsors: Landmark, Textile India, Globus, Turakhia, Fitness one, Witco, Marybrown, Viveks, VGP Universal Kingdom, Mochi, Donut House, Pepe Jeans and Fruit Shop on Greams Road.

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The contestants: